Northwest Years 西北岁月 Episode 18

Because Xi Zhongxun established a regional cultural troupe in Suide, Liu Qiaocui came with the troupe to exchange and study, and immediately reported to Xi Zhongxun. Xi Zhongxun saw that Li Sanwa was interested in Liu Qiaocui and deliberately arranged an opportunity for the two of them to be alone. Li Sanwa was embarrassed when facing Liu Qiaocui and made excuses to go out, but was pushed back by Xi Zhongxun.

Xi Zhongxun and Qi Xin gradually became more impressed with the work of solving the problem of Sui division's cadre review. Soon, Qi Xin was going to lead a work team to the countryside. Song Yangchu talked to Qi Xin alone, asked her what she thought of Xi Zhongxun, and told her that after going to the countryside, she would summarize a set of experiences and methods for running winter schools. If she had any questions or difficulties, she could She wrote directly to Xi Zhongxun, and even suggested that she take her comrades from the work team to see Xi Zhongxun before setting off, so that she could ask for advice in person.

Before departure, Qixin and the comrades of the work team went to see Xi Zhongxun and wrote down the experience given by Xi Zhongxun. Xi Zhongxun then left Qi Xin alone to talk and expressed his gratitude for her previous help. Qi Xin felt that this was his duty. Xi Zhongxun guessed that Qi Xin and the others would have difficulty working and had nothing to give as gifts, so he gave Qi Xin the millet he had saved. If he missed the meal, he could make some millet porridge.

In the days that followed, Qixin personally taught the farmers how to read, read, and understand current affairs and politics. After work, he began to exchange letters with Xi Zhongxun, which further enhanced their understanding of each other. In the correspondence between Qi Xin and Xi Zhongxun, deep emotions were revealed between the lines, which became the sustenance of their longing for each other.

After some time, Qixin came back from the countryside and met with Xi Zhongxun again. The atmosphere was obviously different from before. Xi Zhongxun and Qi Xin had an in-depth exchange of their respective growth experiences. Qi Xin had heard about Xi Zhongxun’s past for a long time, admired his spirit of not fearing life and death, and appreciated his great beliefs and ideals. Under the influence of his sister Qi Yun, he saw the Japanese invaders massacring civilians and determined to drive out the foreign enemies.

At Xi Zhongxun's suggestion, Qixin began to write an autobiography, recalling how he embarked on the road to revolution. Because her parents were open-minded, Qi Xin had the ambition to be patriotic and serve her country. Especially her eldest sister Qi Yun joined the Eighth Route Army, which gave her a goal and direction. Qi Xin expressed her desire to go to Yan'an to her father, hoping to get his approval. Her father Qi Houzhi not only had no objection, but even supported it very much. He believed that everyone has the responsibility to revitalize the family and the country. I believe she will have her own judgment and her own choice.

In March 1939, Qi Xin found her sister Qi Yun in southeastern Shanxi. Under her leadership, she went to the women's team of the first branch of Kangda University in Tunliu County, Shaanxi Province to study and became a female Eighth Route Army soldier. Xi Zhongxun read Qi Xin's autobiography, and their similar revolutionary experiences brought them closer and closer. Song Yangchu and others came to Xi Zhongxun, intending to bring together his relationship with Qi Xin, and encouraged them to apply for marriage to the organization as soon as possible.

Not long after, Qi Xin's sister Qi Yun came to Suide and met Xi Zhongxun despite her busy schedule. Xi Zhongxun warmly entertained Qi Yun. Originally, he wanted to find Qi Xin, but Qi Yun made a special trip to get to know Xi Zhongxun and asked. His impression of his sister. Xi Zhongxun spoke highly of Qi Yun, but Qi Yun felt that they were ten years apart and might not be suitable. He also said that no one could make the decision and could only follow their own wishes.